• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species has a restricted range and the area and quality of its habitat is declining as a result of ongoing forest loss. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.

Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is described as uncommon (Dutson 2011). In East Kwaio, it was observed on ~75% of bird surveys ranging from 900-1000 meters, albeit these surveys were restricted to a relatively small area (Callaghan et al. 2019).

Trend justification
Malaita has experienced moderate levels of logging and a slow rate of deforestation (Katavai et al. 2015), and remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) indicate that in the ten years to 2020, forest loss in this species' range has been equivalent to c.3-5%. However, given that much of the population is above the altitudes threatened by logging or clearance, the current population trend is considered to be unknown.

Myzomela malaitae is endemic to Malaita in the Solomon Islands. 

It is a scarce inhabitant of forest, although it can be relatively common in hills and mountains (P. Schofield in litt. 1994, G. Dutson pers. obs. 1997, Hornbuckle 1999a, Callaghan et al. 2019). It is found in forest and forest edge throughout Malaita, being more common in primary forest above 1,000 m (Dutson 2011). It is absent from secondary forest habitats in many areas (G. Dutson pers. obs. 1997) but may be more tolerant in other areas (P. Schofield in litt. 1994, Callaghan et al. 2019).

Lowland and hill forest throughout Malaita is extensively being degraded through logging. However, much of this species' population is above the altitudes threatened by logging or clearance.

Conservation Actions Underway
Several community-based conservation efforts on-going, such as the Kwainaa’isi Cultural Centre in East Kwaio (J. van der Ploeg in litt. 2020).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Study its tolerance of degraded habitats. Monitor populations at a network of sites. Ensure protection of primary forest by rural communities at sites where it occurs and further encourage collaborative conservation in the region of Malaita, especially East Kwaio where the species may have a stronghold (Callaghan et al. 2019). Improve enforcement of national legislation on logging.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Dutson, G., Khwaja, N., Mahood, S., North, A., O'Brien, A., Schofield, P. & van der Ploeg, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Malaita Myzomela Myzomela malaitae. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/malaita-myzomela-myzomela-malaitae on 18/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 18/12/2024.